UK: Over 80 Protesters Arrested in Demonstrations Supporting Banned Group Palestine Action
In a wave of protests across the United Kingdom, over 80 demonstrators have been arrested for showing support for the banned activist group, Palestine Action. The arrests, which took place on Saturday, marked the second consecutive week of such demonstrations and subsequent police action.
Background
Palestine Action, a pro-Palestine direct action group, was proscribed under anti-terror laws on 4 July after its members allegedly broke into RAF Brize Norton and spray-painted two planes, claiming they were used for military operations in Gaza and across the Middle East
. The newly passed legislation made membership of, and support for, the group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Protests and Police Response
In response to the ban, the campaign group Defend Our Juries (DOJ) organized rallies in several UK cities, including London, Manchester, and Cardiff, to protest the proscription and Israel’s war on Gaza. In London, where the largest number of arrests occurred, protesters gathered in Parliament Square, some holding placards that read: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action."
According to reports from Middle East Eye, 41 people were arrested in London alone. Overall, the DOJ reported that 86 people were detained across the UK, with other protests taking place in Wales and Northern Ireland. However, the Metropolitan Police reported arresting more than 60 protesters in total.
Reactions and Implications
The arrests, particularly those of notable individuals such as the 83-year-old former priest, the Rev Sue Parfitt, have sparked criticism. The head of London's Metropolitan Police force, Mark Rowley, defended the arrest on the grounds that the 'law doesn't have an age limit', causing further controversy.
The proscription of Palestine Action and the subsequent arrests of its supporters have met with fierce criticism from various quarters, including U.N. experts and civil liberties organizations. Anger is mounting over the UK’s ban on Palestine Action, which protesters and critics argue curtails freedom of expression and protest.
Current Situation
As of now, the UK government has not shown any signs of reversing the proscription of Palestine Action. Despite this, activists have continued to stage protests demanding the ban's reversal. The situation remains tense, with further protests expected in the coming weeks. The total number of arrests since the group was proscribed now surpasses 110, highlighting the escalating situation and the growing opposition to the ban.